Lara Conley,

Title. Double click me.

Psychotherapy & Yoga for Mental Health

I received my master’s degree from Smith College School for Social Work in 2005. Shortly after, I began working as a clinical social worker with homeless youth on the west coast. Over the years, I've worked with adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings. I've worked in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and outpatient programs. I have extensive experience working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, interpersonal & family conflict, anger management, impulse control, substance abuse, grief & loss, self-esteem, and issues related to sexual identity.

My own journey to learn how to manage stress and chronic pain led me to yoga and mediation. I soon realized the transformational impact yoga was having on my life and recognized the role it could also play in a therapeutic setting. Inspired to integrate yoga into my work, I became a yoga teacher and sought specialized training in trauma sensitive yoga and yoga for depression and anxiety. I believe there is an inner state of peace and wisdom we all naturally possess. My commitment as a therapist is to help my clients create a partnership with themselves for self-discovery and healing.

“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.” ― David Richo

My Journey...

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People often tell me I'm easy to talk to. With multiple therapists in the family, perhaps it’s in the genes. However, my entry into the mental health field didn't begin until 2001 when I started working at a school for students with special needs. While serving as a personal aid for a young boy with significant mental health issues, I became acutely aware of the power relationships have to facilitate healing. At this point, I was hooked and inspired to learn more about the therapeutic process.